Roads could be icy Tuesday morning

Monday

Weather forecasters urged caution on roads Tuesday morning as Piedmont residents were expected to wake up to the first frozen precipitation of the season.

The National Weather Service in Raleigh predicted a passing system would leave a glaze of ice on trees, cars and possibly bridges. The freezing rain was expected to melt and switch to cold rain around 9 a.m. as temperatures rose slightly.

“We’re not expecting an ice storm of any magnitude,” said Scott Sharp, a forecaster with the National Weather Service.

Light sleet and freezing rain was expected to begin in the Piedmont around daybreak Tuesday . Temperatures were expected to drop to about 30 degrees Monday night before rising to 32 degrees early this morning.

Sharp said lower temperatures for a longer period are needed for extensive ice accumulation.

A steady rain was expected for the rest of the day today, with accumulation up to an inch. The high temperature will be around 37 degrees.

Driving in snow and ice tends to make travel difficult. AAA Carolinas instructs drivers to slow down and burn headlights during rain and freezing precipitation.

Because it takes longer to stop in icy conditions, drivers should leave 8 to 10 seconds between their car and the vehicle in front of them. Where possible, keep an eye on distances 20 to 30 seconds ahead.

Avoid using cruise control, and avoid hard acceleration or braking.

Use extra caution on bridges, overpasses and at intersections.

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